Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association Condemns Surge in Crimes Against Women

The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) has strongly condemned the recent wave of “horrendous, violent, and brutal” crimes committed against women and young girls.

The association, led by its president and senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani, has called for immediate and comprehensive reforms to ensure the protection and safety of women across the country.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the SCWLA expressed deep shock and anguish over the surge in crimes targeting women, girls, and even infants from diverse backgrounds, including various castes, classes, and ages. The association highlighted recent incidents reported in states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and other parts of India, where perpetrators have displayed extreme brutality and insensitivity.

The SCWLA has urged for a complete and effective ban on online pornography and obscene content on OTT platforms, emphasizing the need for stricter regulation to curb the influence of such material. Additionally, the association has called for the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in workplaces and institutions to enhance security and deter potential offenders.

“The association condemns the recent horrific crimes against young girls and women and calls for immediate and comprehensive reforms to protect women,” the SCWLA stated.

“We also urge that gender sensitisation committees come into place in all public and private sectors in consonance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH) guidelines,” it added.

The association appealed to government officials, legal authorities, and the public to unite in addressing the issue of women’s security with urgency and seriousness. It asserted that only coordinated and comprehensive action could foster a safer and more equitable society for women.

“The SCWLA condemns these horrendous, violent, and brutal crimes and stands in full solidarity with the young girls and women of this nation,” the statement read.

In response to nationwide protests over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the Supreme Court has established a 10-member National Task Force (NTF). This task force is tasked with developing a protocol to ensure the safety and security of doctors and other healthcare professionals.